Is Technology Making Cot Beds Better Or Worse?

How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby

If you’re expecting a baby it is essential to select the right cot that is safe and secure for your child. Find a cot which has fixed sides, instead of drop-sides. This will be in line with UK safety standards.

Our top pick is this basic but stylish cot from John Lewis’ Anyday range. It comes with three mattress positions, teething rails and storage drawers. It’s also easy to assemble with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot beds keep babies comfy and cosy. Look for a soft, airy fabric, and ensure that the mattress is snug to prevent any gaps which could create the risk of suffocation. There are a range of mattresses available – foam, coil springs and natural materials for allergy sufferers – so do your research and select the right one for your baby’s needs.

No matter if you choose a conventional cot or a convertible cot one, a comfortable mattress is essential to the comfort. It should provide adequate support and encourage a healthy posture. The same applies to the slats. They should be securely attached and not bent or sagging. The slats must also be firmly fixed to the frame, to ensure that your child does not be caught when they move during sleep.

If you’re not sure what mattress to purchase, talk to friends and family or check online reviews for recommendations. Look for ones that are air-conditioned, as they’ll help maintain temperature and are less likely to harbour bacteria.

There are a myriad of styles to choose from that include traditional sleighs with intricate details and modern, sleek designs. Some are even painted with bright primary colors, which is ideal when you want your child to wake up feeling bright and cheerful!

Most cots come with a drawer underneath for storage, teething rails to protect your child from chewing on the sides of the cot and adjustable height bases for baby growth. You can also purchase drop sides for small babies or those with health issues that make it difficult to bend over.

Find a cot that meets the strict UK safety standard and is able to be easily transformed into a toddler’s bed when it is time. This information is found in the product description as well as the specifications.

Safety

A secure sleeping space is a must and a major factor when selecting a cot. The mattress should be able to fit snugly and there should be no gaps between the mattress and the sides or ends of the cot or cot-bed (large gaps can restrict the child’s arms or head). Verify that the mattress is firm and thin. Thicker mattresses aren’t recommended, as they may increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies offer a choice of mattresses, from simple foam to natural substances for allergy sufferers. Some even contain anti-microbial treatments. If your cot features drop-sides, make sure it is secured and in the up position.

A drop side should only be allowed to go down only when an adult is present – to prevent accidental releases. If your coffin has a solid edge, avoid placing it against the wall since this will restrict airflow and could cause death in the coffin. According to the most recent research, cots with slatted edges are safer since they allow for greater airflow.

If your cot is set on one side, choose it. It’s the most secure option for your baby as they start to crawl and pull themselves up. When your child is climbing with confidence and standing, it’s the time to move to a junior bed.

Some cots are equipped with an option that allows the base to be raised up to three levels. This is a great security feature that allows your child’s cot to expand with their needs. Some cots have adjustable footplates, which are great for toddlers who want to stand up in their bed.

Whenever you place your child in their cot, check that there isn’t any visible danger. It must be kept away from heaters or power points, windows, blind cords and curtains (these can be strangulation hazards). If you are buying second-hand furniture or heirlooms to look for any potential hazards to your child’s safety such as labels and transfers. They can come off and cause danger.

If you are unsure about how to use your cot, ask other parents for advice or take part in a local NCT New Baby class. If your cot has an instruction manual, read it carefully before you begin using it, and be sure to follow the safety-use guidelines carefully.

Style

This gorgeous cot bed with its sleigh style will look stunning in your nursery. The panel was awed by the combination of white and natural wood as well as the clever features like drawers under the bed for everything needed by babies, such as bedding, nappies, and a huge selection of baby clothes. It’s also easy to assemble with clear instructions and separate sets of screws for each section. It can also be transformed into a toddler desk or bed when your child gets older (see product description for more details).

The teething rails are one of our favorite features. They keep your child from hitting their head against the crib’s side or any protruding portion of the crib, like the handle or corner post. They also prevent children from chewing on the wood, and prevent them from getting suffocated. It also has a drop-side for easier access to your infant. We love that it can be converted into an infant bed, and it is sturdy enough to last up to four years. It also met the strict UK safety standards, which can be found in the specifications that are listed under each product.

Cot beds are generally bigger than cribs and can be turned into toddler beds when your child is ready and you can avoid purchasing a new bed when they’re ready to move on. They can be more expensive than a crib.

If your nursery is small, you might be considering a crib. It is smaller and requires less space. However, if you plan to spend a significant portion of your baby’s time in the room, or if you need a bed that lasts longer, you should opt for a crib.

If the cot you are using does not meet the UK safety standards as defined by BS EN 716 or BS 8509 (which covers the thickness of mattresses, the materials used, and other key elements of baby mattresses for cots), it is unsafe for babies to sleep. The slats shouldn’t be too far apart, to ensure that your baby won’t get tossed out.

Storage

Whether you’re a first-time parent or a veteran the amount of items the baby will require is immense. It’s crucial to think about storage when selecting a cot. There are a variety of cots that have additional storage options, such as drawers in the under-bed or a coordinating cot top changer (available separately). Certain cots can be transformed into toddler beds or a smaller single bed to extend their use.

Some cots can be converted into day beds, as seen on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great choice for those who like a more flexible design. The conversion is easy and only requires the removal of ONE side panel. This lets parents save on the cost of a separate bed.

Some cot beds are equipped with hanging rails that can be used to hang muslins, dummies, as well as other small things. This allows you to keep everything organised tidy, neat and tidy – and it also looks fantastic. Being able to access these items makes it easier for parents to feed their baby.

Another desirable feature to look for is a toothing rail which is included with some cots. This will stop your child from chewing on the wooden cot which could cause irritation. Some cots are designed in an older style and have a huge drawer under the bed that is ideal for storing blankets, toys clothing, and other baby essentials.

This is a great solution when space is a problem, but you will have to purchase a drawer on your own. You might need to purchase an additional mattress and bedding since oval sheets and mattresses do not come with the cot.

This sleigh cot from Stokke is a lovely example of Scandi-style at its best and comes with a massive under-bed storage drawer that’s great to keep all the baby’s essentials out of view but easily reachable. The alphabetically labeled pieces and clear instructions made it simple to assemble for our panel. It is suitable for babies as young as birth, and can be made into a toddler’s crib when your child is ready.